Handling device with increased functionality for hair transplantation operations

Abstract

A handling device is provided for hair transplantation operations. The device includes a main body provided with incision elements and with explantation and implantation elements for the transplantation of at least one follicular unit from the scalp of a patient to a tissue to be treated. The main body includes at least one distal section and at least one proximal section which are detachably mutually associated. The proximal section encloses drive elements inside which are associated with the incision elements and with the explantation and implantation means for their functional movement. The incision elements and the explantation and implantation elements are associated with the distal section. Between the interface surfaces of the proximal section and of the distal section there are mechanical interconnection elements for the kinematic association of the drive elements with the incision elements and with the explantation and implantation elements.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A handling device with increased functionality for hair transplantation operations, which comprises a main body with an elongated shape structure which is ergonomically shaped to be gripped by a hand of an operator; said main body being provided with incision means and with explantation and implantation means for transplantation of at least one follicular unit from the scalp of a patient to a tissue to be treated; wherein said main body comprises at least one distal section and at least one proximal section which are mutually detachably associated; said proximal section enclosing inside drive means which are associated with said incision means and with said explantation and implantation means for their functional movement; said incision means and said explantation and implantation means being associated with said distal section in such a manner as to be separable from said drive means and be subjected to surgical sterilization procedures; between interface surfaces of said proximal section and of said distal section there being mechanical interconnection means for a kinematic association of said drive means with said incision means and with said explantation and implantation means. 
     
     
         19 . The handling device according to  claim 18 , wherein said distal section and said proximal section are mutually associated via a shape coupling connector of the bayonet type. 
     
     
         20 . The handling device according to  claim 18 , further comprising an analysis and verification portion which is associated with said main body proximate to said explantation and implantation means and is adapted to contain said at least one follicular unit. 
     
     
         21 . The handling device according to  claim 20 , wherein said analysis and verification portion comprises at least one suction conduit, made of a material transparent to light, which is directly associated with said explantation and implantation means and adapted to contain said at least one follicular unit. 
     
     
         22 . The handling device according to  claim 18 , wherein said incision means comprise a needle of the surgical type configured to move via actuation of said drive means between an inactive position, in which said needle is retracted into said distal section, and an incision position, in which said needle is extracted from said distal section. 
     
     
         23 . The handling device according to  claim 22 , wherein said needle is configured to be disengaged from said distal section for its easy and immediate substitution. 
     
     
         24 . The handling device according to  claim 21 , wherein said explantation and implantation means comprise a hollow cannula associated at one end thereof with a punch of a surgical type that can move about a longitudinal axis thereof via the actuation of said drive means for a core sampling of said at least one follicular unit. 
     
     
         25 . The handling device according to  claim 24 , wherein said punch is configured to be disengaged from said distal section for an easy and immediate substitution thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The handling device according to  claim 24 , wherein said at least one suction conduit is interposed between said hollow cannula and said punch. 
     
     
         27 . The handling device according to  claim 24 , further comprising suction means associated with said explantation and implantation means for at least one operation chosen from suction and thrusting of said at least one follicular unit. 
     
     
         28 . The handling device according to  claim 27 , wherein said suction means comprise a solenoid valve associated with said hollow cannula and associable with a suction apparatus; said solenoid valve being detachably associated with said proximal section via a fixing collar. 
     
     
         29 . The handling device according to  claim 20 , further comprising command and image acquisition means associated with said analysis and verification portion for the acquisition of images of contents of said analysis and verification portion; said command and image acquisition means being functionally associated with at least one screen for displaying said images on an enlarged scale showing the contents of said analysis and verification portion in such a manner as to examine and verify properties of said at least one follicular unit directly from said analysis and verification portion before its implantation. 
     
     
         30 . The handling device according to  claim 29 , wherein said command and image acquisition means comprise at least one still camera which is configured to frame the contents of said analysis and verification portion. 
     
     
         31 . The handling device according to  claim 30 , wherein said at least one still camera is associated with said distal section via a slider provided with a fastening hook which is configured to engage with a fastening screw associated with said at least one still camera for a locking thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The handling device according to  claim 29 , wherein said at least one screen is defined by an analysis and verification unit and wherein said command and image acquisition means are functionally associated with said analysis and verification unit for transmission and display of images acquired on said at least one screen. 
     
     
         33 . The handling device according to  claim 32 , wherein said analysis and verification unit is external with respect to said handling device. 
     
     
         34 . The handling device according to  claim 18 , wherein said drive means comprise micro-motors of the brushless type.